To Your Good Health: Low-risk estradiol treatment comes with an FDA-boxed warning

January 26, 2026

DEAR DR. ROACH: I'm a 70-year-old woman who has suffered with vaginal dryness ever since I went through menopause. My doctor has prescribed a hormone cream, estradiol 0.01%, to help with the symptoms. The side effects and warnings are worrisome, even though my doctor assures me that it's safe to use. I value your opinion and would appreciate your thoughts. -- K.C. ANSWER: The Food and Drug Administration requires boxed warnings, which are the highest level of concern, on systemic estrogen such as pills. Until November 2025, the same warnings existed on topical treatments such as creams ...

Hints From Heloise: Reader sounds off on cursive

January 26, 2026

Dear Heloise: I just have to comment about the lack of needing to teach cursive writing in the letter as described by the retired educator from Montana. No wonder our country is in such sad shape with this kind of thinking. When you can't read cursive writing, you cannot read important papers ...

Dear Annie: Abusive 20-year relationship must come to an end

January 24, 2026

Dear Annie: I see that you often answer questions pertaining to families trapped in addiction. I grew up in that special hell with all of the complex trauma issues that go along with that lifestyle. I am a card-carrying member of Alcoholics Anonymous and Adult Children of Alcoholics. I have ...

Car Talk: Are touch screens making cars less safe?

January 24, 2026

Dear Car Talk: My ownership of cars has ranged from the Dark Ages ('66 Triumph Spitfire) to the space age ('20 Chevy Bolt, '22 Subaru Outback). Those later vehicles suit all the needs of my wife and myself as we enjoy our retirement years. But one thing I find myself not enjoying is the ...

Dear Annie: Growing impatient with friend’s ingratitude

January 23, 2026

Dear Annie: I am struggling with what to do about one of my very best friends who is basically family to me at this point. Throughout our friendship, I have noticed that she does not say "thank you" very often. This includes when a gift is given to her or even when a customer purchases ...

To Your Good Health: Weighing whether or not to add a ‘do not resuscitate’ clause

January 23, 2026

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 80-year-old man in reasonably good health. The only medications that I take are Eliquis for atrial fibrillation, omeprazole for gastroesophageal reflux disease, and terazosin and finasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia. I exercise and remain active and ...